Fluidized bed with collapsible side

Abstract

A patient support system has a fluidizable surface formed by air fluidizing a mass of fluidizable material. The fluidizable material is contained by a member which is at least partially collapsible so as to facilitate the patient's ingress and egress to and from the support system. The collapsible member can comprise an air impermeable panel which can form an inflatable elastic wall having one or more internal webs defining separately pressurizable compartments. The fluidizable surface can be formed by a plurality of fluidizable cells disposed and attached atop an air permeable support. Each of these cells is detachably removable from the support for ease of cleaning and replacement. A blower inflates the sacks, the inflatable elastic wall embodiments and the fluidizable material via a network including manifolds, valves, and flexible tubing. A microprocessor controls actuation of the various valves and the blower according to signals inputted by operating personnel or supplied by various sensors which monitor the patient support system.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This is a Continuation-in-Part Application to U.S. Application Ser. No. 07/288,071, filed Dec. 20, 1988.

The present invention relates to patient support systems and more particularly to an air fluidized patient support system.

Examples of air fluidized beds are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,428,973 to Hargest et al, 3,866,606 to Hargest, 4,483,029 to Paul, 4,564,965 to Goodwin, 4,637,083 to Goodwin, and 4,672,699 to Goodwin.

The sides of a conventional fluidized bed are rigid to retain the fluidizable material and to attach the cover sheet thereto. Often, such beds are used to support patients with serious burns or skin grafts. Ingress to and egress from the fluidized bed by patients must be performed with due regard to the rigidity of the sides of the bed.

PRINCIPAL OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved patient support system for longterm patient care.

It is a further principal object of the present invention to provide an improved patient support system providing fluidized patient support, yet facilitating patient entrance to and exit from the system.

It is another principal object of the present invention to provide an improved patient support system providing fluidized patient support that reduces the overall weight of the system.

A still further principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved patient support system providing fluidized patient support that facilitates removal of the fluidizable material and more economic maintenance of same.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the patient support system of the present invention comprises a fluidizable medium that supports at least a portion of the patient's body. The fluidizable medium preferably includes tiny spheres formed of glass, ceramics, or silicon. The fluidizable medium is preferably fluidized by passing air therethrough. The air is preferably supplied by an electric motor-driven blower.

In further accordance with the present invention, means are provided for supporting the mass of fluidizable material. The supporting means preferably is permeable to air through a predetermined section thereof. As embodied herein, the means for supporting the mass of fluidizable material preferably includes a diffuser board having a predetermined section permeable to air. The diffuser board is impermeable to the passage of the fluidizable material.

In yet further accordance with the present invention, means are provided for containing the fluidizable medium and for permitting the diffusion of air therethrough. Preferably, the means for containing the fluidizable medium and for permitting the diffusion of air therethrough includes a diffuser board permeable to air but impermeable to the fluidizable medium, a collapsible retaining means attached to the diffuser board, and a flexible cover sheet. The fluidizable material rests atop the diffuser board and is retained thereabove by the retaining means which is secured to the diffuser board in airtight fashion. The cover sheet encloses the fluidizable material by being connected to the collapsible retaining means in a fashion that is impermeable to the passage of fluidizable material.

A frame carries the means for containing the fluidizable medium and for permitting the diffusion of air therethrough. The frame also preferably carries the blower.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the means for containing the fluidizable medium and permitting the diffusion of air therethrough preferably includes a plurality of discrete fluidizable cells. Each cell has an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upper wall and the lower wall. Each cell contains a mass of fluidizable material therewithin, and the walls prevent the passage of this fluidizable material therethrough. The upper wall and the lower wall are permeable to the passage of air therethrough, but the side wall is not. The upper wall of each cell is preferably formed as a detachably engagable section of an air permeable cover sheet. The peripheries of the cells are connected to the retaining means in detachable fashion and also connected to one another in the same detachable fashion. The lower walls of each cell are maintained against the diffuser board and detachably anchored thereto so that air passing through the diffuser board must pass through the lower walls of the cells and thereby fluidize the fluidizable material therewithin.

Means are provided for detachably connecting the fluidizable cells to the diffuser board and one another. Preferably, such means includes one or more attachment flaps, anchoring flaps, and attachment mechanisms. As to the latter, an air impermeable zipper or an airtight elastomeric interlocking mechanism is preferred. The upper portions of adjacent cells also can be connected by hook and loop strips extending along their sidewalls.

Means are provided for detachably attaching the periphery of the air permeable cover sheet to the retaining means so as to prevent passage of the fluidizable material past this sheet attaching means. The sheet attaching means preferably includes an attachment mechanism such as an airtight zipper or a mating elastomeric interlocking mechanism. One of the engagable components of the zipper or interlocking mechanism can be secured to the end of an attachment flap that is secured to the retaining means. The attachment flap preferably is both air impermeable and impermeable to the passage of fluidizable material therethrough.

The detachably connecting means of the fluidizable cells and the detachably attachment means of the cover sheet greatly facilitate removal of the fluidizable medium for cleaning, and the cells prevent localized soiling from being distributed throughout the medium.

The collapsible retaining means preferably includes a collapsible elastic wall which takes the form of a number of different embodiments. In one embodiment, the elastic wall includes an inflatable U-shaped member with an inflatable interface sack at the open end of the U-shaped member. The U-shaped member and the interface sack can have one or more internal webs defining separately pressurizable compartments therewithin. In addition, deformable inserts can be disposed to fill the compartments. In another embodiment of the elastic wall, the open end of the U-shaped member is sealed by a non-rigid panel which is impermeable to the passage of both air and fluidizable material therethrough. In yet another embodiment, the elastic wall is defined by a non-rigid panel completely surrounding the fluidizable material. A portion of the panel can be supported by an inflatable interface sack, while the remainder of the panel can be supported by a rigid sidewall which is selectively collapsible either by a grooved track mechanism or a bottom-hinged mechanism. The collapsibility of the retaining means embodiments greatly facilitates patient ingress to and egress from the air fluidized patient support system of the present invention.

It is important that the air passing through the diffuser board is constrained to pass through the fluidizable medium to fluidize same. The elastic wall preferably has an attachment flap with an anchoring member at the free end thereof for anchoring the flap against the edge of the diffuser board which then is further sealed by a silicone rubber sleeve around the free edge thereof and a bead of room temperature vulcanizing compound (RTV).

Preferably, the diffuser board defines the upper member of an air plenum to which air is supplied and diffuses through the diffuser board to fluidize the fluidizable material supported thereabove. Means are provided for supplying air to the plenum for fluidizing the fluidizable medium. Preferably, such means includes a blower, a blower manifold, a fluidization supply manifold, one or more flow control valves, and a plurality of flexible air conduits. The diffuser board preferably has at least two tiers disposed at two different levels above the bottom of the plenum, which is subdivided into at least two chambers that are separately pressurizable from one another. One tier is disposed to support the fluidizable material that supports the patient's buttocks, and this tier is closer to the bottom of the plenum and therefore supports a relatively larger depth of fluidizable material than the second tier which supports the fluidizable material beneath the legs and feet of the patient. The reduced depth of material for supporting the legs and feet of the patient reduces the weight of the system. It also enables use of a smaller blower, and this lowers the power requirements of the system as well as further reducing the weight of the system.

Preferably, pressure is maintained in the air sacks of a dual mode patient support and in other inflatable components of the support system by connecting the blower to an air sack manifold which supplies air to a plurality of pressure control valves via a plurality of flexible air conduits.

A microprocessor preferably controls the pressure provided to the inflatable components, and the rate of flow of air provided to the plenum which fluidizes the fluidizable material. The valves have a pressure sensing device that measures the pressure at the outlet of each valve, which also is opened or closed to varying degrees by a motor. Examples of valves suitable to the task of pressure control valve or flow control valve are disclosed in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 07/355,755, filed May 22, 1989, which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The microprocessor receives pressure information from each valve via the pressure sensing device and controls the motor to open or close the valve accordingly. Each component or group of components which is desired to be maintained at a controllable pressure or flow rate is connected to the blower via an individual pressure control valve or flow control valve, respectively. The microprocessor then is programmed to control this valve according to the desired pressure or flow rate behavior for that particular component. Accordingly, each valve defines its own particular zone which is subject to individual control by the microprocessor. The operating parameters can be inputted as desired by a key pad and control panel connected to the microprocessor. The microprocessor stores various control programs that can be activated via the key pad and control panel.

One of the operational programs for the microprocessor is the continuous mode of fluidization of the fluidizable material. Air can be continuously supplied to the plenum at either a minimum mode of fluidization, a maximum mode of fluidization, or an intermediate mode of fluidization. In addition, the microprocessor can supply air to the plenum so as to intermittently fluidize the fluidizable material. This is accomplished by turning off the fluidization for a short interval of time followed by fluidizing for a brief interval of time and repeating this sequence over and over.

Each control valve can be operated in a mode which instantaneously opens the valve. This mode of operation is useful for depressurizing an inflatable sack to facilitate an emergency medical procedure requiring a rigid surface rather than the compressible surface afforded by the inflatable sacks. The instantaneous depressurization can be controlled by the key pad of the control panel of the microprocessor.

A heat exchange device can be provided to regulate the temperature of the air being used to fluidize the mass of fluidizable material.

The microprocessor controls the overall pressure and flow rates of air being supplied to the patient support system by controlling the blower via a blower control board that receives signals from a pressure sensor which monitors the pressure at the outlet side of the blower.

The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2a illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of components of an embodiment of the present invention in a defluidized state taken along the lines 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2b illustrates a cross-sectional view of components of an embodiment of the present invention in a fluidized state taken along the lines 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2c illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of components of an embodiment of the present invention in a fluidized state taken in a direction similar to the lines 4--4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3a illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of components of an embodiment of the present invention taken in a direction similar to the lines 3--3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3b illustrates a partial, detailed cross-sectional view of components of an embodiment of the present invention taken in a direction similar to the lines 4--4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3c illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of components of an embodiment of the present invention taken along the lines 3--3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial, detailed cross-sectional view of components of an embodiment of the present invention in a fluidized state taken along the lines 4--4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of components of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective, cut-away view of components of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective, partially cut-away view of components of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of components of an embodiment of the present invention in a defluidized state;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of components of an embodiment of the present invention in a fluidized state;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective, cut-away view of components of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side, partially cut-away, plan view of components of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12a illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of components of an embodiment of the present invention in a fluidized state;

FIG. 12b illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of components of an embodiment of the present invention in a defluidized state;

FIG. 12c illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of components of an embodiment of the present invention in a defluidized state;

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic diagram of components of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of components of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic diagram of components of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference now will be made in detail to the presently contemplated preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a dual mode patient support system using the present invention. This patient support system is represented generally by the numeral 30. Typical overall dimensions for the patient support system are thirty-six inches in width and ninety inches in length.

In accordance with the patient support system of the present invention, a frame is provided and is indicated generally in FIG. 1 by the designating numeral 32. Frame 32 can be provided with a plurality of rolling casters 34 for facilitating movement of patient support system 30. The diameter of the rotating member of each caster 34 preferably is a minimum of seven inches, and each caster 34 is preferably spring-loaded. Frame 32 preferably is constructed of rigid material such as tubular or angled metal capable of supporting the weight of the components carried thereon.

In accordance with the present invention, a fluidizable medium is carried by the frame to support at least a portion of the patient's body. As embodied herein and shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b, 4, 8, 9, 12a, 12b, and 12c for example, a plurality of tiny particles 50 forms a fluidizable medium. Preferably, each particle 50 is formed as a sphere having a diameter on the order of one thousandth of an inch. Suitable materials for forming particles 50 include ceramics, glass, and silicon.

In still further accordance with the present invention, means are provided for supporting the fluidizable medium and for permitting the diffusion of air through the fluidizable medium. Preferably, the supporting and diffusing means is carried by the frame. As embodied herein and shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12a, 12b, and 12c, the means for supporting the fluidizable medium and for permitting the diffusion of air therethrough preferably includes a diffuser board 52, which preferably is formed of particle board or other air-permeable material which also happens to be impermeable to the passage of particles 50 therethrough. Diffuser board 52 is carried by frame 32. In a preferred embodiment, a perforated metal plate 54 is provided beneath diffuser board 52 to support and reinforce same. As shown in FIG. 10 for example, perforated plate 54 includes a plurality of holes 56 extending through plate 54 to allow for passage of air therethrough. Perforated plate 54 is also carried by frame 32 and preferably is fabricated of a sturdy but light weight metal such as aluminum or light gauge steel.

In further accordance with the present invention, means are provided for defining at least one air plenum beneath the supporting and diffusing means. The air plenum defining means is carried by the frame and has a predetermined section through which air is permeable. As embodied herein and shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 4, 6, and 10, the air plenum defining means preferably includes a tank indicated generally in FIG. 10 for example by the designating numeral 58. Diffuser board 52 preferably is spaced above and covers a bottom 60 of tank 58 to form the upper member defining an air plenum 97 therebetween and comprises the predetermined section of the plenum defining means through which air is permeable. Accordingly, in some embodiments diffuser board 52 can be considered to form part of a means for defining a plenum above tank bottom 60.

In addition to a bottom 60, tank 58 has a wall including a pair of opposite sidewalls 61, 62 and at least one closed end wall 64. Tank sidewalls 61, 62 and tank end walls 64 extend substantially in a direction normal to tank bottom 60. Sidewalls 61, 62 and end walls 64 preferably are integral and form a continuous wall disposed generally vertically relative to a horizontally disposed tank bottom 60. Tank 58 has an open top, and the tank wall can be open at one or more portions thereof and preferably at one end thereof as in FIGS. 1 and 10 for example. Tank 58 can be formed of metal and preferably is formed of fiberglass or heat resistant plastic to reduce the overall weight of the patient support system. As shown in FIGS. 2b and 10 for example, tank 58 has at least one opening 59 through tank bottom 60 through which gas can be supplied to tank 58 and each air plenum. In a multi-plenum embodiment such as shown in FIG. 10, tank bottom 60 is provided with an opening for each plenum.

In further accordance with the present invention, means are provided for retaining the fluidizable medium generally above the supporting and diffusing means and thus above the air plenum. The retaining means is preferably at least partially collapsible and carried by the frame. As embodied herein and shown in FIGS. 1, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3a, 3b, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12a, 12b, and 12c for example, the means for retaining the fluidizable medium generally above the supporting and diffusing means preferably includes an elastic wall, which exists in a number of different embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1 for example, the elastic wall typically is indicated generally in the figures by the designating numeral 66. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2a, 2b, 10, and 14 for example, elastic wall 66 can comprise an inflatable U-shaped member 68. As shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 10 for example, inflatable U-shaped member 68 preferably comprises a plurality of internal webs 70 which subdivide the interior space of member 68 into a plurality of fillable compartments 72a, 72b and 72c. At least a single web 70 defines two compartments 72, and the lower compartments are the ones closer to diffuser board 52. In some embodiments, the upper compartments can be separately pressurizable from the lower ones. As shown in FIGS. 3a, 8, 9 and 14 for example, elastic wall 66 can include an inflatable interface sack 67 extending across the open end of tank 58 and providing the interface between the fluidizable material 50 and inflatable sacks 36. As shown in FIGS. 3a, 8, 9, and 14 for example, interface sack 67 preferably includes two compartments 77, 79 which are separated by web 70 and are separately pressurizable. As shown in FIG. 14 for example, elastic wall 66 comprises interface sack 67 and U-shaped member 68. U-shaped member 68 comprises upper compartments 75 and lower compartment 73. Interface sack 67 is disposed across the open end of U-shaped member 68 and across the opening defined through a portion of the sidewall of tank 58. By supplying air to each of compartments 73, 75, 77, and 79 via a separate pressure valve 46, the lower compartments 73, 79 can be maintained at a higher pressure than the upper compartments 75, 77. This facilitates enhancing the comfort of the patient coming into contact with upper compartments 75, 77, while providing more rigidity to lower compartments 73, 79, which bear more of the burden of retaining fluidizable material 50. The lower pressure renders upper compartments 75, 77 more deformable than the lower compartments and thereby facilitates partial collapse to permit patient ingress and egress to and from the fluidizable support. Interface sack 67 can be integrally formed with U-shaped member 68 by having common exterior wall panels. In other embodiments, the exterior wall panels of U-shaped member 68 and interface sack 67 can be joined in air-tight fashion. As shown in FIG. 14 for example, interface sack 67 is configured with the same exterior dimensions as inflatable sacks 36 and is largely indistinguishable from same when judged by outward appearances.

In the embodiments of elastic wall 66 illustrated in FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3b, 4, 6, and 10 for example, the uppermost compartment 72a is larger than the lower compartments 72b, 72c and forms an overhanging portion 74 which extends over the free edge of sidewalls 61, 62 and end wall 64 of tank 58. As shown in FIG. 3b for example, an elastomeric fastener 104 retains a securing flap 105 by press fitting flap 104 into a receptacle therefor, and so secures the elastic wall to the sidewall of the tank. In an embodiment such as shown in FIG. 7 for example, all compartments 72 are similarly configured. As shown in FIG. 2c for example, an embodiment of an uppermost compartment 76 has a hemispherical shape and does not have an overhanging portion.

As shown in FIGS. 3c, 10, 12a, 12b, and 12c, one alternative embodiment of elastic wall 66 comprises a non-rigid panel 78 which is impermeable to the passage of both air and fluidizable material. Panel 78 preferably is formed of a fabric coated with polyurethane or the like. As shown in FIG. 3c for example, panel 78 rests against an inflatable sack 36, which together with the other inflatable sacks 36 provide sufficient rigidity to retain the fluidizable material generally above diffuser board 52. Panel 78 is disposed to fill the open end of tank 58 to retain the fluidizable material therein. Panel 78 can be connected across the open end of a U-shaped member such as member 68.

As shown in FIG. 6 for example, an embodiment of elastic wall 66 can include a plurality of deformable inserts 80 disposed within and substantially filling each compartment formed by an embodiment of impermeable panel 78 which has been configured to completely envelope inserts 80. Each insert 80 preferably is formed of polyurethane foam or a polymeric deformable material. Moreover, some compartments can include an insert 80, while other compartments need not include an insert 80.

The means for retaining the fluidizable medium generally above the supporting and diffusing means preferably retains the fluidizable material over a predetermined air permeable section of the plenum defining means. As shown in FIGS. 12a-12c for example, the means for retaining the fluidizable material over a predetermined air permeable section of the plenum defining means can include a rigid tank sidewall 81, an elastic wall embodiment such as a flexible air impermeable panel 78, and an air permeable sheet 108 connected to air impermeable panel 78. Though not shown in FIG. 12, panel 78 can be disposed without interruption around the sides and closed end of tank 58, and an interface sack 67 can be used to retain the fluidizable material at the open end of tank 58. In other embodiments, panel 78 completely surrounds the fluidizable material.

As shown for example in FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3b, 4, 6, 10, and 12a-12c, at least a portion of the elastic wall is disposed between at least a portion of tank sidewalls 61, 62 and the mass of fluidizable material.

In order to facilitate patient ingress to and egress from the patient support system, at least a portion or section of rigid sidewall 81 is selectively collapsible, either via a grooved track mechanism, an example of which being illustrated schematically in FIG. 12b, or by a bottom hinged mechanism, an example of which being illustrated schematically in FIG. 12c. Air permeable sheet 108 is impermeable to passage of fluidizable material therethrough and is joined at its periphery to panel 78 by an air tight means of attachment such as an air tight zipper 112 or an elastomeric attachment 114 (FIG. 5).

The manner by which the retaining means confines the fluidizable medium generally above the supporting and diffusing means is most easily explained by reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 for example. The elastic wall has an attachment flap 82. The free end of attachment flap 82 has an anchoring member, which can for example be a cord 86 in some embodiments (FIGS. 3c, and 7) or a hook and loop strip 88 in others (FIGS. 3a, 3b, 4, and 6). As shown in FIGS. 3a, 3b, 4, and 6 for example, a rigid clamping channel 90 rests atop tank bottom 60. The free edge of diffuser board 52 is surrounded by a silicone rubber sleeve 92 to form an air-impermeable fitting around the entire free edge of diffuser board 52. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of support posts 94 (FIG. 4) separates diffuser board 52 and perforated metal plate 54 from tank bottom 60 and support diffuser board 52 and plate 54 above tank bottom 60. Attachment flap 82 extends between the outer surface of an inner leg 96 of clamping channel 90 and sleeve 92. Then attachment flap 82 extends around inner leg 96 so that the anchoring member (86 or 88) extends beyond the inner surface of inner leg 96 as shown in FIGS. 3c and 4 for example. Clamping channel 90 is secured to tank bottom 60 via a clamping bolt 98 and a nut 100. Thus, attachment flap 82 is secured in air tight fashion between tank bottom 60 and the free end of inner leg 96 of clamping channel 90. A bead 84 of an air impermeable sealant is applied between sleeve 92 of diffuser board 52 and elastic wall 66. Bead 84 preferably is formed of any room temperature vulcanizing compound (RTV), such as a silicone rubber composition which hardens after exposure to air at room temperature. In this way, air entering a plenum 97 formed between diffuser board 52 and tank bottom 60 cannot escape past the free edge of diffuser board 52 or inner leg 96 of clamping channel 90. Furthermore, elastic wall 66 is air impermeable. Thus, air entering plenum 97 under pressure from blower 40 must pass up through diffuser board 52 into the fluidizable material supported thereabove.

FIG. 3a illustrates one embodiment of interface sack 67 of elastic wall 66 which extends across the open end of tank 58. Tank bottom 60 supports the free edges of perforated plate 54 and diffuser board 52, and silicone rubber sleeve 92 surrounds the free edge of diffuser board 52 to prevent air from escaping through the free edge of diffuser board 52. A clamping channel 90 secures and seals attachment flap 82 against sleeve 92 in an air-tight fashion and has an anchoring flange 106. In this embodiment, the anchoring member comprises a hook and loop strip 88 which attaches to a mating hook and loop strip secured to the underside of anchoring flange 106 of clamping channel 90. Clamping bolts 98 are used to secure clamping channel 90 against tank bottom 60 and diffuser board 52. Moreover, clamping channel 90 can be provided with openings (not shown) through which tubes (not shown) or other conduits for supplying gas to elastic wall 66 can be passed.

FIGS. 3c and 10 illustrate another preferred embodiment of elastic wall 66 which extends across the open end of tank 58. Tank bottom 60 supports the free edges of perforated plate 54 and diffuser board 52, and silicone rubber sleeve 92 surrounds the free edge of diffuser board 52 to prevent air from escaping through the free edge thereof. A clamping member 90 secures and seals attachment flap 82 of panel 78 against sleeve 92 in an air-tight fashion and has an inner leg 96. As shown in FIG. 3c in this embodiment, the anchoring member comprises a cord 86 which rests against the inner surface of inner leg 96. Clamping channel 90 is secured to tank bottom 60 via a clamping bolt 98 and nut 100. Thus, attachment flap 82 is secured in air-tight fashion between inner leg 96 of clamping channel 90 and silicon sleeve 92. A bead 84 of RTV is applied between sleeve 92 and flexible panel 78. In this way, air entering a plenum 97 formed between diffuser board 52 and tank bottom 60 cannot escape pass the free edge of diffuser board 52 or inner leg 96 of clamping channel 90. Furthermore, air impermeable panel 78 forces air entering plenum 97 and passing through diffuser board 52 to pass through the fluidizable material before exiting through an air permeable sheet 108 connected to panel 78 via an air-tight zipper 112 for example.

In still further accordance with the present invention, there is provided a flexible cover sheet. As embodied herein and shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3c, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 12 for example, the flexible cover sheet is formed by an air permeable sheet 108, which is connected to the retaining means so as to contain the fluidizable material and simultaneously permit the fluidizing air to escape. Air permeable sheet 108 is preferably formed of a fine mesh fabric that is impermeable to the passage of the fluidizable material therethrough. Air permeable sheet 108, the retaining means, and the diffuser board are connected to one another and thereby cooperate to provide means for containing the fluidizable medium and for permitting the diffusion of air therethrough.

In further accordance with the present invention, means are provided for detachably attaching the periphery of the air permeable cover sheet to the retaining means so as to prevent passage of the fluidizable material past this sheet attaching means. The sheet attaching means preferably prevents passage of particles therethrough having a narrowest dimension greater than 30 microns. The sheet attaching means is further preferably configured so as to be easily engagable and disengagable without great manual strength or dexterity. As embodied herein and shown in FIG. 12 for example, the sheet attaching means includes an attachment mechanism such as an airtight zipper 112. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 10 for example, the means for attaching sheet 108 to the retaining means preferably includes a flexible attachment flap 110 connected to an attachment mechanism such as an air-tight zipper 112. Attachment flap 110 preferably is impermeable to the passage of air therethrough and to the passage of fluidizable material therethrough. An alternative embodiment of an attachment mechanism is generally designated by the numeral 114 illustrated in FIG. 5 for example, and comprises an elastomeric interlocking mechanism. Mechanism 114 includes two mating elastomeric members 113, 115, and both members join together to form an air-tight seal. The two elastomeric members are easily deformable to come apart and join together under the manipulation of human hands. The ease with which the embodiments of the sheet attaching means can be engaged and disengaged by hand greatly facilitates the removal of the fluidizable material whenever replacement is desireable. It also greatly facilitates replacement of air permeable sheet 108 whenever soiling of same requires that it be changed.

An alternative preferred embodiment of the means for retaining the fluidizable medium generally above the supporting and diffusing means includes a fluidizable cell 134 such as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 for example. Another embodiment of the means for containing the fluidizable medium preferably includes an embodiment of elastic wall 66, air permeable sheet 108, and diffuser board 52 such as shown in FIGS. 2b, 4, and 12 for example.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 for example, a plurality of fluidizable cells can be disposed transversely across diffuser board 52 and connected thereto via attachment flaps 82 located on sidewall 140 near lower wall 138 of each cell 134 and anchoring flaps 83 disposed in spaced relation on diffuser board 52.

Means are provided to facilitate replacement of the mass of fluidizable material. As embodied herein and shown in FIGS. 7-9 for example, the means for facilitating replacement of the fluidizable material preferably comprises at least one fluidizable cell 134, and preferably a plurality of cells 134. Each fluidizable cell 134 has an upper Wall 136, a lower wall 138, and a sidewall 140 extending between and connecting the upper wall and the lower wall. Each cell 134 contains a mass of fluidizable material 50 therein, and walls 136, 138, and 140 prevent passage of the fluidizable material therethrough. Each upper wall 136 and each lower wall 138 of each fluidizable cell 134 is permeable to the passage of air therethrough. Each sidewall 140 of each fluidizable cell 134 is impermeable to passage of air therethrough.

The upper walls are connected in air impermeable fashion to the retaining means surrounding the cells. An air impermeable seal is formed between the elastic wall and at least a portion of the periphery of each upper wall 136 of each fluidizable cell 134. This is preferably accomplished as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 for example, in which each fluidizable cell 134 is connected to the retaining means such as elastic walls 66 via an attachment flap 110 and an attachment mechanism such as air-tight zipper 112. Each upper wall 136 of each fluidizable cell preferably is formed as a disengagable section of an air permeable cover sheet 108. Preferably, the remaining portion of the periphery of each upper wall 136 is connected to the remaining portion of the periphery of each upper wall of each adjacent fluidizable cell 134 via respective attachment flaps 110 and zippers 112 for example. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 for example, hook and loop strips 88 are provided to connect adjacent sidewalls 140 of adjacent cells 134. These strips 88 preferably are located near the interface between upper wall 136 and sidewall 140 of each cell 134. In this way all of the upper walls 136 of cells 134 are connected to and/or disposed alongside one another.

In another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7 for example, the adjacent cells are connected to one another at the vertical edges of the narrow ends of sidewalls 140 via attachment flaps 110 and an attachment mechanism such as zippers 112. Since all of the cells are connected to one another, the upper walls 136 of cells 134 are combined to form an air permeable surface Which functions like air permeable sheet 108 to prevent passage of the fluidizable material therethrough while at the same time permitting passage of air therethrough in order to allow air to pass through fluidizable material 50 and fluidize same.

Means are provided for connecting the fluidizable cells to diffuser board 52. As embodied herein and shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 for example, the means for connecting the fluidizable cells to diffuser board 52 preferably includes an attachment flap 82, an anchoring flap 83, and a means for securing the attachment flap to the anchoring flap without permitting passage of air thereby. Preferably, the lower portion of sidewall 140 near lower wall 138 of each fluidizable cell has an attachment flap 82. One end of an anchoring flap 83 is secured to diffuser board 52. Where there are a plurality of fluidizable cells, the attachment flap of the fluidizable cell closest to elastic wall 66 attaches via an embodiment of the connecting means to the anchoring flap which extends from the edge of diffuser board 52. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 6 for example, anchoring flap 83 extends from the base of the elastic wall instead of from the diffuser board. In both cases, the flow of air through the diffuser board is constrained to pass through lower walls 138 of cells 134 and cannot leak between cells 134 and elastic wall 66 for example.

As embodied herein and shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 for example, the means for securing the attachment flap to the anchoring flap preferably comprises an air impermeable zipper 112. An alternative embodiment of the attaching means includes an airtight elastomeric attachment mechanism 114 such as shown in FIG. 5 for example. In either case, the connecting means is selectively engagable and disengagable to permit removal of each fluidizable cell and substitution of a replacement fluidizable cell for the removed cell.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 10, 13, and 15 for example, the plenum 97 formed between tank bottom 60 and diffuser board 52 is divided into at least two separate plenum chambers 120, 122. This arrangement enables air to be supplied to one chamber at a different flow rate than air is supplied to the other chamber or chambers. As shown in FIG. 10 for example, plenum chamber 120 is separated from plenum chamber 122 by an air impermeable divider 124. Preferably, at least one plenum chamber 120 is disposed to support the buttocks of the patient, and the second plenum chamber 122 is disposed to support the legs and feet of the patient. Preferably, the superficial flow rate of the air supplied by blower 40 to the buttocks plenum chamber 120 can be regulated so as to be higher than that supplied to plenum chamber 122 for the legs and feet.

As embodied herein and shown in FIG. 10 for example, diffuser board 52 defines a first tier 41 and a second tier 43. First tier 42 defines the section of diffuser board 52 forming buttocks plenum chamber 120 and is disposed closer to tank bottom 60 than second tier 43, which defines the section of diffuser board 52 forming plenum chamber 122, and which is disposed to fluidize the material 50 supporting the legs and feet of the patient. Thus, a deeper mass of fluidizable material 50 is supported by first tier 41 of diffuser board 52 over buttocks plenum chamber 120 than is supported by second tier 43 of diffuser board 52 over leg and foot plenum chamber 122. In other words, the height of fluidizable material 50 is larger above first tier 41 of diffuser board 52 at buttocks plenum chamber 120 than above second tier 43 of diffuser board 52 at leg and foot plenum chamber 122.

A three inch differential in the height of the fluidizable material constitutes a very significant reduction in the weight of the patient support system. The typical width of the mass of fluidizable material is twenty-four to twenty-six inches, and the length of same is on the order of at least fifty-one inches. At a uniform depth of nine inches, these dimensions define a substantial volume of fluidizable material. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 for example, the mass of fluidizable material supporting the patient's buttocks typically measures eighteen inches long in the direction parallel to the length of the patient support system, and the leg and foot zone is typically thirty-three inches long. The height of fluidizable material above buttocks plenum chamber 120 is nine inches, and the height above the leg and foot chamber 122 is six inches. Accordingly, two-tiered plenum embodiments such as shown in FIG. 10 result in the reduction of a volume of fluidizable material measuring eighteen inches by twenty-six inches by three inches. If the fluidizable material is formed of glass microspheres, this reduces the weight of the patient support system by about 150 pounds. Moreover, this reduction in the volume of fluidizable material permits use of a smaller blower, which weighs less and thus further reduces the overall weight of the system. Furthermore, a smaller blower lowers the power requirements for operating the system.

Means for supplying air to fluidize the fluidizable medium communicates with the plenum and can include same. As embodied herein and shown schematically in FIG. 15 for example, the means for supplying air to fluidize the fluidizable medium preferably includes blower 40, blower manifold 42, a fluidization supply manifold 45, one or more flow control valves 126, 128, and a plurality of flexible air conduits 48, 49. Air travels from blower 40 to plenum 97 via blower manifold 42, tubes 48, a heat exchange device 51, tubes 49, a fluidization supply manifold 45, control valves 126 or 128, and opening 59 through tank bottom 60. Blower 40 preferably is capable of supplying forty cubic feet of standard air per minute to the plenum at a pressure of up to twenty-eight inches of water, while simultaneously supplying air to air sacks 36 and any other components of the system which are inflatable or require air flow.

The fluidization of the mass of fluidizable material 50 preferably is carried out at different modes of fluidization. In the continuous mode of operation, air is continuously supplied to flow through at least one plenum chamber. There are essentially four continuous modes of operation for fluidization. The zero mode of fluidization embodies the condition when the amount of air passing through the mass of fluidizable material is insufficient to fluidize same. This occurs when the superficial velocity of air through the flow area presented by the fluidizable material is on the order of 0.01 feet per second. At the minimum mode of fluidization, sufficient air is passing through the fluidizable material 50 to render same fluidized and thus reduce the shear forces to essentially zero. At the minimum mode of fluidization the superficial velocity of the air passing through the fluidizable material is on the order of 0.05 feet per second. The maximum mode of fluidization is that which renders the fluidization turbulent and occurs at about a superficial flow velocity of 0.08 feet per second. Accordingly, the intermediate mode of fluidization occurs between the minimum mode of fluidization and the maximum mode of fluidization and generally begins at a superficial velocity of about 0.06 feet per second. In the intermittent mode of operation, the air flow is turned off for an interval of time and then turned on for an interval of time. The repetition of this sequence constitutes the intermittent fluidization mode of operation.

In yet further accordance with the present invention, means are provided for independently supplying air to each plenum chamber at independently preselected air flow rates. As embodied herein and shown schematically in FIGS. 13 and 15 for example, the means for separately supplying air to each plenum chamber at independently preselected air flow rates includes a flow control valve 126 for regulating the supply of air to plenum chamber 120 and a flow control valve 128 for regulating the supply of air to plenum chamber 122. The means for independently supplying air to each separate plenum chamber at a separate flow rate further includes a microprocessor 130 programmed to regulate flow control valve 126 and flow control valve 128. The means for supplying air to each separate plenum chamber at a separate flow rate further includes a pressure sensing device such as a pressure transducer 127 disposed to measure the pressure at the outlet of each flow control valve 126, 128.

In still further accordance with the present invention, means also are provided for intermittently supplying air flow to at least one of plenum chambers 120, 122. In this way, the mass of fluidizable material disposed above at least one of plenum chambers 120, 122 and preferably one or both plenum chambers 120, 122 can be fluidized intermittently. As embodied herein and shown in FIGS. 13 and 15 for example, the means for intermittently supplying air flow to at least one plenum chamber preferably includes a microprocessor 130 controlling actuation of the flow control valve 126 or 128 which regulates air flow to the plenum chamber which is selected for an intermittent mode of air flow supply. Each plenum chamber 120, 122 is supplied with air through respective flow control valve 126, 128. The amount of air flow permitted to pass through each flow control valve 126, 128 is controlled by microprocessor 130 according to a preprogrammed set of instructions stored in the memory of microprocessor 130.

For example, during a given interval of time between one and five minutes, the appropriate flow control valve 126 or 128 is closed to prevent any air flow from reaching the respective plenum chamber 120 or 122. In other words, the fluidizable material supported above such plenum chamber is maintained in an unfluidized state. After the passage of this predetermined interval, which can be preset via a control panel which inputs the desired interval into the appropriate set of instructions stored in microprocess or 130, microprocessor 130 opens the appropriate flow control valve to permit at least a minimum level of fluidization of material 50 supported above the corresponding plenum chamber and maintains this minimum fluidization for about one-half to ten seconds for example. One or both or neither plenum chamber can be operated according to the intermittent mode of fluidization, as desired by selecting this mode on the control panel which sends the appropriate signal to microprocessor 130.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 for example, frame 32 includes an articulatable member 116. Conventional means such as hydraulics and motors are provided to raise and lower the articulatable member, which pivots about an articulation joint 118. Preferably, member 116 has a range of inclination from 0° to 60° from the horizontal.

At least one inflatable sack can be carried by the frame to support at least a portion of the patient's body. As embodied herein and shown for example in FIG. 1, frame 32 carries a plurality of inflatable sacks 36 disposed transversely across articulatable member 116. The head and upper torso of a patient preferably rests atop inflatable sacks 36, which preferably are covered by a conventional hospital sheet and/or other bedding (not shown). A continuous retaining panel 38 preferably is attached to sacks 36 and surrounds same to retain same together in an orderly fashion. Any conventional means of attachment such as snaps or zippers can be used to connect retaining panel 38 to sacks 36. As shown in FIG. 10 for example, each sack 36 preferably is ten and one-half inches in height measured above articulatable member 116 and about thirty-six inches long measured in a direction transversely across member 116. The thickness of each sack 36 is approximately four and one-half inches. As illustrated in FIG. 11 for example, elevation of member 116 from the horizontal position deforms the two sacks closest to the articulation joint 118 to accommodate the change in position of member 116.

Means are provided for maintaining a preselected pressure in each inflatable sack. As embodied herein and shown schematically in FIG. 15 for example, the means for maintaining a preselected pressure in each inflatable sack includes a blower 40, a blower manifold 42, an air sack manifold 44, a plurality of pressure control valves 46, and a plurality of air impermeable tubes 48. Tubes 48 connect blower manifold 42 to blower 40 and to air sack manifold 44, and connect pressure valves 46 to air sack supply manifold 44 and to sacks 36. As shown in FIG. 13 for example, each pressure control valve 46 preferably includes a pressure transducer 127 which monitors the pressure at the outlet of valve 46. Each valve 46 further preferably includes an electric motor 132 to regulate the flow permitted to pass through valve 46 and accordingly the pressure being sensed by transducer 127.

As embodied herein and shown schematically in FIG. 13 for example, the means for maintaining a preselected pressure in each inflatable sack further includes a microprocessor 130. Pressure transducer 127 sends a signal to microprocessor 130 indicative of the pressure at the outlet of valve 46. Microprocessor 130 compares this signal to a signal stored in its memory corresponding to a preset pressure for that particular valve 46. Depending upon the results of the comparison, microprocessor 130 controls motor 132 to open or close valve 46 until the comparison indicates that the preset pressure has been attained. As shown in FIG. 13 for example, the preset pressure for each valve can be stored in the memory of microprocessor 130 via a key pad 154 and a control panel 156.

In a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 for example, the various facilities of the patient support system requiring a supply of air include air sacks 36, air plenum 97, air plenum chambers 120, 122, and interface sack 67 and the other inflatable components of elastic wall 66.

In accordance with the present invention, a means is provided for supplying air to each plenum chamber at independently preselected gas flow rates. As embodied herein and shown for example in FIGS. 13-15, such means can include blower 40, microprocessor 130, a fluidization supply manifold 45, and flow control valves 126, 128. Moreover, means are provided for supplying air at a plurality of independently determinable pressures to separate pressure zones of the patient support system.

As embodied herein and shown for example in FIGS. 13-15, such means can include blower 40, microprocessor 30, a fluidization supply manifold 45, and pressure control valves 46. Each valve segregates a separate zone, and thus air from blower 40 is provided to at least a couple of separately controllable zones. Each separate zone is controlled by either a pressure control valve 46 or a flow control valve 126, 128. As shown in FIG. 13 for example, each pressure control valve and flow control valve is controlled by microprocessor 130. Each pressure control valve 46 and flow control valve 126, 128 has a pressure sensing device which measures the pressure at the outlet of the valve and sends a signal indicative of this pressure to microprocessor 130. As embodied herein, a transducer 127 provides a suitable pressure sensing device. Each valve 46, 126, 128 further comprises an electrically operated motor 132 which opens and closes each valve. Microprocessor 130 controls each motor 132 of each valve, and a preselected pressure or flow for each valve can be selected and stored in the memory of microprocessor 130 via key pad 154 and control panel 156. Microprocessor 130 is programmed to control motor 132 so as to regulate the pressure or flow through the valve in accordance with the preselected value of pressure or flow stored in the memory of microprocessor 130. Similarly, microprocessor 130 can be programmed to change the preselected pressure or flow through one or more of valves 46, 126, 128.

As shown in FIG. 15, for example, individual sacks or groups of sacks can be associated with a single zone which is supplied by a single pressure control valve 46. Accordingly, all of the sacks controlled by a single pressure control valve 46 can be maintained at the same pressure by the microprocessor, which uses the valve's transducer 127 to monitor the pressure at the valve's outlet.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 for example, eight different zones are each independently maintainable at a different pressure and/or flow rate of air by blower 40. Zone 1 includes a plurality of inflatable sacks 36, which preferably lack any air escape holes. Blower 40 provides sufficient air to sacks 36 in zone 1 to maintain them at a pressure between one and twenty inches of water. Zone 2 includes a plurality of air sacks 36, which preferably are provided with air escape holes (not shown) that permit air to flow out of the sacks from the upper surface supporting the patient or from the side surfaces away from the patient. Blower 40 supplies air to sacks 36 in zone 2 at a flow rate of about two cubic feet per minute and a pressure of between two and ten inches of water. Zone 3 includes upper compartment 77 of interface sack 67, and blower 40 supplies air thereto at a pressure between one and twenty inches of water. Since no air escape holes are provided in interface sack 67, the flow rate of air provided to compartment 77 is essentially zero. Zone 4 includes lower compartment 79 of interface sack 67, and blower 40 supplies air thereto at a pressure of between one and twenty inches of water and the flow rate of air is essentially zero. Zone 5 includes upper compartments 75 of U-shaped member 68 of elastic wall 66. Compartments 75 lack any air escape holes, and blower 40 supplies air to compartments 75 at a pressure of between zero and twenty-two inches of water and a flow rate of essentially zero cubic feet per minute. Zone 6 includes lower compartment 73 of U-shaped member 68, and compartment 73 similarly lacks any air escape holes. Blower 40 supplies air to compartment 73 in pressure zone 6 at a pressure of between ten and twenty-two inches of water, and the air flow rate is essentially nil. Zone 7 is a flow rate zone and includes buttocks plenum chamber 120 of plenum 97 illustrated in FIG. 10 for example. Similarly, zone 8 includes plenum chamber 122, which is disclosed to provide air to fluidize the mass of fluidizable material 50 disposed to support the legs and feet of the patient. During fluidization of the mass of fluidizable material, blower 40 supplies air in zone 7 to buttocks plenum chamber 120 at a pressure between sixteen and twenty-two inches of water and a flow rate between five and twelve cubic feet per minute. Similarly, blower 40 supplies air in zone 8 to legs and feet plenum chamber 122 during fluidization of the mass of fluidizable material thereabove at a pressure of between ten and eighteen inches of water and a flow rate of between five and twenty-eight cubic feet per minute.

If it is desired to permit egress from or ingress to the patient support system embodiment shown in FIG. 14 for example, the pressure control valve supplying air to compartments 75 can be controlled by microprocessor 130 through suitable controls on key pad 154 so as to reduce the pressure within compartments 75. The reduced pressure renders them soft enough to permit the patient to slide over them relatively easily. At the same time, the pressure control valve regulating the pressure in compartment 73 of elastic wall 66 can be maintained high enough to provide sufficient rigidity to the remainder of the elastic wall so as to prevent the fluidizable material from unduly deforming elastic wall 66 while the patient is entering or exiting the fluidizable support. Similarly, upper compartment 77 and lower compartment 79 of interface sack 67 can be maintained at different pressures if each is supplied by a different pressure control valve 46. In this way, the lowermost compartment 79 can be maintained at a higher pressure than upper compartment 77 to facilitate retaining the mass of fluidizable material. Maintaining a lower pressure in upper compartment 77 permits it to be compressed for the comfort of the patient, or when the articulatable member is raised to form an angle of inclination with the horizontal as shown in FIG. 11 for example. The pressure in compartment 77 can be lowered automatically by suitable programming of the microprocessor to control the pressure in compartment 77 during articulation of member 116.

Each control valve 46 can be operated in a so-called dump mode which permits instantaneous opening of the valve so as to permit instantaneous depressurization through the valve. Thus, pressure control valves 46 are capable of operating as would a solenoid valve insofar as depressurization is concerned. This mode of valve operation permits instantaneous deflation of inflatable sacks 36 for example. Such deflation is desirable to permit a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedure to be performed on a patient. Such procedure requires a rigid surface rather than the compressible surface provided by inflatable sacks 36. Key pad 154 of control panel 156 signals microprocessor 130 to trigger the pressure control valves 46 to the dump mode.

As shown schematically in FIG. 15 for example, a heat exchange device 51 also can be provided to regulate the temperature of the air supplied to fluidize the mass of material 50. As shown schematically in FIG. 13 for example, microprocessor 130 also controls heat exchange device 51, which includes a heater 53 and a heat exchanger 55. A temperature probe 57 can be provided and disposed so as to record the temperature inside fluidizable material 50 and provide a signal to microprocessor 130. Microprocessor 130 then activates heater 53 to regulate the temperature of the mass of fluidizable material according to predetermined temperature range parameters stored in the memory of microprocessor 130. Microprocessor 130 also can display the temperature on control panel 156 for example.

Microprocessor 130 controls blower 40 via a blower control board 131 and receives signals from a pressure sensor 150 which monitors the pressure at the outlet side of blower 40. Microprocessor 130 also controls articulation of articulatable member 116 via conventional hydraulics and motors indicated schematically in FIG. 13 by the articulation package designated 152. Sensing devices also are included in this articulation package 152, as indicated schematically in FIG. 13 by the return arrow toward microprocessor 130. These sensing devices provide microprocessor 130 with information regarding the degree of articulation o articulatable member 116.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A patient support system, comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) means for supporting a mass of fluidizable material, said supporting means being permeable to air through a predetermined section thereof;

(c) a mass of fluidizable material supported by said supporting means, said supporting means being impermeable to passage of said fluidizable material therethrough;

(d) collapsible means for laterally retaining at least a portion of said fluidizable material over said predetermined air permeable section of said supporting means, said retaining means being selectively at least partially collapsible to facilitate ingress and egress of the patient to and from the support system; and

(e) an air permeable sheet having a periphery connected to said retaining means so as to prevent passage of fluidizable material between said retaining means and said sheet, said sheet being impermeable to passage of said fluidizable material therethrough.

2. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising:

a tank wall extending substantially in a direction normal to said supporting means; and

wherein said retaining means includes an elastic wall and at least a portion of said elastic wall is disposed between at least a portion of said tank wall and said mass of fluidizable material.

3. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising:

a tank having a bottom and a wall, said wall extending substantially in a direction normal to said bottom; and

wherein said retaining means includes an elastic wall and at least a portion of said elastic wall extends higher than said tank wall extends above said tank bottom.

4. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising:

a tank wall extending substantially in a direction normal to said supporting means;

wherein said retaining means includes an elastic wall and said tank wall has an opening defined through a portion thereof; and

at least a portion of said elastic wall is disposed to fill said opening defined through said portion of said tank wall.

5. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising:

a tank wall extending substantially in a direction normal to said supporting means;

wherein said retaining means includes an elastic wall and said tank wall has an upper free edge; and

at least a portion of said elastic wall extends over a portion of said upper free edge of said tank wall.

6. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein:

said retaining means includes an elastic wall defining at least one fillable compartment.

7. An apparatus as in claim 6, wherein:

a deformable insert is disposed within at least one said fillable compartment of said elastic wall.

8. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein:

said retaining means includes an elastic wall defining an inflatable member.

9. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein:

said retaining means includes an elastic wall defining a thin non-inflatable panel.

10. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein:

said retaining means includes an elastic wall having at least two separately pressurizable compartments, one of said compartments being disposed above the other of said compartments.

11. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising:

(f) a tank carried by said frame and having a bottom; and

wherein said supporting means includes a diffuser board disposed above said tank bottom and forming a plenum between said tank bottom and said diffuser board, said diffuser board being permeable to passage of air therethrough, and impermeable to passage of fluidizable material therethrough.

12. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising:

(f) a tank carried by said frame and having a bottom;

(g) means for defining a plenum above said tank bottom, said plenum defining means being permeable to air through a predetermined section thereof; and

wherein said plenum being divided into at least two separately pressurizable chambers.

13. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein:

said plenum defining means having a first tier disposed above one of said separately pressurizable chambers and a second tier disposed above a second of said separately pressurizable chambers.

14. An apparatus as in claim 13, wherein:

the depth of fluidizable material supported by said first tier is greater than the depth of fluidizable material supported by said second tier.

15. An apparatus as in claim 14, wherein:

said first tier is disposed to support the patient's buttocks and said second tier is disposed to support the patient's legs and feet.

16. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein:

at least one of said plenum chambers being disposed to support the buttocks of the patient.

17. An apparatus as in claim 12, further comprising:

means for supplying air to each said plenum chamber at independently preselected gas flow rates.

18. An apparatus as in claim 17, further comprising:

means for intermittently supplying air flow to at least one of said plenum chambers.

19. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising:

wherein said retaining means includes an elastic wall; and

means for attaching said periphery of said sheet to said elastic wall so as to prevent passage of said fluidizable material past said attaching means.

20. An apparatus as in claim 19, wherein:

said attaching means includes an air tight zipper.

21. An apparatus as in claim 19, wherein:

said attaching means includes a pair of mating elastomeric members.

22. A patient support system, comprising:

(a) a tank having a bottom, a tank wall extending substantially in a direction normal to said bottom, and an open top;

(b) a frame for supporting said tank;

(c) means for defining a plenum above said tank bottom, said plenum defining means being permeable to air through a predetermined section thereof;

(d) a mass of fluidizable material supported by said plenum defining means, said plenum defining means being impermeable to passage of said fluidizable material therethrough;

(e) means for retaining said fluidizable material over said predetermined air permeable section of said plenum defining means, said retaining means being selectively collapsible to facilitate ingress and egress of the patient to and from the support system; and

(f) an air permeable sheet having a periphery connected to said retaining means so as to prevent passage of air and fluidizable material between said retaining means and said sheet, said sheet being impermeable to passage of said fluidizable material therethrough.

23. An apparatus as in claim 22, wherein:

said retaining means is vertically collapsible.

24. An apparatus as in claim 22, wherein:

said retaining means is hinged for collapsibility.

25. An apparatus as in claim 22, wherein:

said retaining means is deformably collapsible.

26. An apparatus as in claim 22, wherein:

said retaining means is elastically collapsible.

27. A patient support system, comprising:

(a) a tank having a bottom, a tank wall extending substantially in a direction normal to said bottom, and an open top;

(b) a frame for supporting said tank;

(c) a diffuser board defining a plenum above said tank bottom, said board being permeable to air through a predetermined section thereof;

(d) a mass of fluidizable material supported by said board, said board being impermeable to passage of said fluidizable material therethrough;

(e) an elastic wall configured and disposed to retain at least a portion of said fluidizable material over said predetermined air permeable section of said board, said elastic wall being selectively at least partially collapsible in a vertical direction to facilitate ingress and egress of the patient to and from the support system; and

(f) an air permeable sheet having a periphery connected to said elastic wall so as to prevent passage of fluidizable material between said elastic wall and said sheet, said sheet being impermeable to passage of said fluidizable material therethrough.